Herbs, annual, prostrate to ascending, occasionally erect, sometimes forming mats, glaucous or green, 0.5–10 dm. Stems prostrate, decumbent, or erect, usually light brown, simple or branched, sometimes slightly woody at base; main branches arising from proximal part of plant. Leaves ascending or spreading; blade linear, usually subterete, sometimes flat, 10–50 × 0.8–1.7 mm, apex blunt to acute. Glomes on main stem and lateral branches, not crowded into compound, distal spikes, 1–4-flowered; proximal bracts resembling leaves, distal bracts gradually reduced, 3–12 mm, slightly wider at the base. Flowers bisexual; perianth actinomorphic to slightly irregular with segments subequal, 2–3.3 mm diam.; perianth segments thin to abaxially rounded and occasionally distally hooded at maturity, without appendages, apex obtuse; stigmas 2–3(–5). Seeds monomorphic, lenticular, 1–2.2 mm diam.; seed coat reddish brown or black, reticulate. 2n = 36.
